Fresh-off contrasting games
The 14-7 Houston Rockets will head back home after a short, two-game road trip. They split the pair of contests, losing a double overtime thriller to the San Antonio Spurs, 135-133, and then winning a 119-109 war against the Toronto Raptors.
James Harden is coming off a solid shooting night. He picked his spots well in the Raptors win and shot an efficient 7-for-11 from the floor for 23 points, while his defense showcased the underrated knack for the ball as he recorded a season-high five steals. Harden, the league’s scoring champion for the past two seasons and still the far and away leader this year at 38.7 points per game, is in an exciting head-to-head with Devin Booker. The Beard should be motivated to show-off his high-scoring ways.
Backcourt partner Russell Westbrook (21.7, 8.1 RPG, 7.3 APG) and big man Clint Capela (14.1 PPG, 14.5 RPG) are again eyed to back-up Harden’s offense. Westbrook has two-straight triple-doubles but must look to shoot better as he has only shot 24.6% in that span.
Ben McLemore, who’s averaging 21 points on 53.7%-shooting in his last three, could again provide a solid contribution.
The Rockets are 8-2 at home this season. They are top three in scoring (120.8 PPG) and offensive efficiency.
Looking to build momentum
The 10-11 Phoenix Suns will be looking to build up momentum from their 139-132 overtime victory over the New Orleans on Friday, where they logged in season-highs in points, offensive rebounds (19), and steals (16).
Devin Booker poured in 44 points in the recent win and should have great confidence as he goes in a possible scoring duel against Harden. He’s logging in 25 points and 6.3 assists per game on 50.8%-shooting this season.
The Suns have six other double-digit scorers to help out Booker and they are equipped to go against the prolific Rockets offense – Kelly Oubre (17.1 PPG), Ricky Rubio (12.6 PPG, 8.7 APG), Aron Baynes (14.7 PPG), Frank Kaminsky (11 PPG), and Dario Saric (10.8 PPG).
The Suns are top five in scoring (115.6 PPG) and offensive efficiency this season.
PREDICTION:
The Rockets win, 118-109.
Westbrook is in a favourable match-up with Rubio and may look to bully his way into the paint.
